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For information, contact:
Beth Sholom, Ownerrahcnj@verizon.net732-967-0900
Right at Home,
a national leader providing in-home companionship, personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently,
iscontinually monitoring issues that impact our clients and their families from an emotional, physical and financial perspective.
DILIGENCE AND EDUCATION THWART SCAMS
By
Beth Sholom
Bernie Madoff-like ponzi frauds, foreign lottery winnings ploys and work-at-home check cashing schemes. These are just a few of the scams that havemade headlines over the past year. Scams and fraudulent business practicesthat intend to swindle can impact anyone including the affluent and highlyeducated, as well as the non-native speaking, the poor and the elderly. Indifficult economic times, scammers continually search for new ways todeceive. Recently publicized scams include individuals posing as bankofficials offering to refinance mortgages or to confirm account numbers viathe Internet or over the phone.
 Anyone
with a phone, mail box, Internet access or front door can be apossible scam target. Scammers prey on the weakness of human nature or aspecific demographic group. They understand that most people want a “greatdeal” or desire to be wealthier and more beautiful. Scams are often targetedto individuals with unique backgrounds and special needs, including seniors.“Scam artists steal more than money for a product or service. They steal asenior’s dignity, trust and self esteem,” said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 160 locations in 41states. “Education and awareness are key components of stopping scams andprotecting our loved ones.”It has been the experience of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) thatthe elderly are targeted for fraud for several reasons:
 
-Seniors grew up in an era in which your word was your bond and ahandshake closed a deal. They assume that if someone seems nice,they must be trustworthy.-These individuals were raised to be polite, especially if they areshowing the time to care. Many scammers prey on their loneliness anddesire for conversation.-Seniors have money to spend. Many seniors have retirement savings,own their home and have an excellent credit rating.-As seniors strive for independence, they have an increased need forgoods and services to maintain their homes. They make purchasedecisions without the input of others.-Mental or physical impairments are used by perpetrators to confusethe elderly. Scammers can give one price, but demand more moneyafter the service is completed, claiming the senior did not clearly hearor completely understand the price.-Seniors are least likely to report a fraud since they are afraid thatrelatives will doubt their mental competency. They fear that they willseem foolish since they fell for a fraud.Most common senior scams according to FBI:
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Health Insurance (“rolling lab” schemes, medical equipment fraud,Medicare fraud)
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Counterfeit Prescription Drugs (“Special deals” or on-linepurchases)
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Funeral and Cemetery Fraud (contracts, refund terms, embalmingrules)
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 Telemarketing (“get rich quick” schemes, travel offers, often involveprizes)
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Anti-aging Products (vitamins, creams, “secret” formulas,“breakthroughs”)
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Investment Schemes (advance-fee, Nigerian letter, Prime banknotes)
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Internet Fraud (non-delivery of items, credit/debit card fraud)
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Charitable Fraud (non-existent charity) Things to remember to stop scamming by Stopseniorscams.org:
1.
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2.
When it comes to a "now or never" opportunity, choose "never."
3.
Keep account numbers, codes and passwords private. Be wary of giving any information out to anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
4.
Shred bills, junk mail and receipts before discarding them.
5.
Don't be afraid to report your experiences. If you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.
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